Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What is the altitude requirement when flying over sparsely populated areas?

1. 1,000 feet above the surface

2. 500 feet above the surface

3. 1,500 feet above all structures

4. 2,000 feet above the highest point

The correct answer is: 500 feet above the surface

The altitude requirement when flying over sparsely populated areas is 500 feet above the surface. This minimum altitude allows for a safe buffer that provides sufficient clearance over terrain and obstacles while acknowledging that sparsely populated areas pose less risk to individuals and property below compared to densely populated regions. The regulation helps ensure that pilots can maintain a safe altitude while still allowing for operational flexibility in less populated areas. While flying higher may be advisable in some situations, the specific regulation mandates this minimum to balance safety with practicality in rural environments. In contrast, other altitude requirements, such as 1,000 feet above the surface or 1,500 feet above structures, pertain to more populated areas or specific operational conditions, which do not apply in sparsely populated contexts.